# LANE FOUR ATHLETICS Drop 01 Sample Request

Date: 2026-07-06
Use: Send this as the first concise vendor brief before asking for a full quote.

## Objective

Create a small first sample round for `LANE FOUR ATHLETICS`, a swim-origin
athletic apparel brand. The first round should test feasibility before price:

- Apparel blank quality and print scale.
- Swim cap logo distortion.
- Training swim brief construction and chlorine durability.
- Vendor ability to understand a quiet, street-readable athletic brand.

## Batch A Sample Request

| No. | Sample | Request | Vendor lane |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | Black tee | White `LANE4` chest print, 2-3 sizes if possible, long matte L4 rubber back-collar label | Apparel printer |
| 02 | Greige or natural tee | Dark charcoal `LANE4` chest print, long matte L4 rubber back-collar label | Apparel printer |
| 02B | China ODM tee body | 260-300 GSM oversized boxy tee, black and greige/natural, same L4 mark system | China tee ODM/OEM |
| 03 | Black silicone swim cap | Off-white `L4` both sides, proof distortion | Swim cap vendor |
| 04 | Black box swim brief | White `L4` wearer-left hip mark | Swimwear OEM |
| 05 | Off-white, ash, or greige hoodie | Back `LANE FOUR / 1994 / ATHLETICS` lockup | Apparel printer |

## Vendor Lanes

### Apparel Printer

First send to:

- CORNER PRINTING
- Original Print.jp
- Raksul Apparel or Three Arrows for comparison

Ask:

- Can you source the exact or equivalent bodies?
- Can you make a 1-color, matte, quiet print sample?
- Can you advise on nylon print risk for track jacket/pants?
- Can you support woven labels, neck labels, hangtags, and polybags later?
- What are sample cost, MOQ, production unit estimate, and lead time?
- What final data format do you need after SVG proofing?

### China Tee ODM/OEM

First source through:

- Alibaba supplier search and RFQ
- Made-in-China comparison listings
- Global Sources comparison listings
- Direct low-MOQ heavyweight tee factory pages

Ask:

- Can you share an existing 260-300 GSM oversized boxy tee body?
- Can you send actual sample photos, size chart, fabric composition, GSM, and
  available colors?
- Can you make 1-3 physical samples before pilot production?
- Can you support a 50-100 piece pilot if the sample passes?
- Can you make a long matte black silicone or soft PVC back-collar label?
- Can you support neck label, care label, hangtag, polybag, and size sticker?
- Can you accept written measurement tolerance, wash-test criteria, and
  pre-shipment inspection?

### Swimwear OEM

First send to:

- Fules Design
- AKF

Ask:

- Can you make a men's square-cut training swim brief?
- What fabric do you recommend for daily pool training?
- What logo method is best for chlorine durability and stretch?
- Can you make one physical sample before full MOQ?
- What are sample cost, MOQ, production unit estimate, and lead time?

### Swim Cap Vendor

First send to:

- Sanwa
- Wundou blank cap route for placement checking

Ask:

- Can you produce a black silicone cap with off-white `L4`?
- Can you proof both-side placement and distortion before production?
- What is the minimum lot and sample/proof cost?
- Can you support bagging, card insert, or packaging later?

## Short Japanese Copy

```
ご担当者様

はじめまして。LANE FOUR ATHLETICSという、水泳を起点にした
アスレチックアパレルブランドの初回サンプル制作についてご相談です。

まずは量産ではなく、以下のような少量サンプルの可否を確認したいです。

- Tシャツ: LANE4の1色胸プリント
- フーディ: 背面に LANE FOUR / 1994 / ATHLETICS の1色プリント
- スイムキャップ: 黒シリコン本体にオフホワイトのL4
- 練習用ボックス水着: 黒本体に白のL4ロゴ

確認したい点は、サンプル可否、最小ロット、概算費用、納期、
入稿形式、量産時の注意点です。

仕様書、ラインシート、アウトライン済みSVGロゴは提出可能です。
チームウェア感ではなく、ミニマルなアスレチックアパレルとしての
見え方を重視しています。

サンプル制作の現実的な進め方をご教示いただけますでしょうか。

よろしくお願いいたします。
```

## Attachments

- `docs/production/drop-01-line-sheet.md`
- `docs/production/drop-01-production-spec.md`
- `docs/production/logo-asset-pack.md`
- `docs/production/vendor-outreach-pack.md`
- `docs/production/vendor-quote-tracker.csv`
- `docs/production/china-oem-small-lot-plan.md`
- `assets/logo-lane4.svg`
- `assets/logo-l4.svg`
- `assets/logo-4.svg`
- `assets/logo-lockup.svg`

## Decision Criteria

Choose the first vendor by:

1. Sample feasibility before MOQ.
2. Clear explanation of production risks.
3. Ability to return placement proof.
4. Repeat production potential.
5. Price after the above, not before.

For the China route, reject any supplier that suggests copying another brand's
label, product name, artwork, or exact patch. The sample should translate the
body logic into an original L4 product.